Erik Klackner - Baseball Analysis

The baseball world has descended on Dallas, Texas for the annual Winter Meetings, a get-together that often results in madcap free agent signings and the occasional trade. This year promises to be no different, with most of the top free agents still available and some major names on the trading block. What does this mean for the Giants? Unfortunately, I have no idea. What should it mean for the Giants? I have some thoughts on that. Read more »

The great debate about the National League's MVP race came to an end Tuesday with the announcement of Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols as the winner, edging Andruw Jones and Derrek Lee. While this was a great three-horse race to the finish, I cannot help but wonder if the award should have gone to someone else. Someone else not running in the three-horse race. Read more »

As the trial in the BALCO case wrapped up, America watched as a resounding and powerful message was sent to anyone and everyone who entertained any thoughts of researching, designing, and distributing steroids. That message: GO FOR IT! Read more »

The return of Barry Bonds has buoyed the Giants back into contention in the race, but perhaps too late to overtake the Padres. The Dodgers languish in 4th place, already eliminated from postseason contention. Would this race have shaped up any differently had these two teams been able to remain even somewhat healthy? Without question. Read more »

Barry Bonds' statistics through his first 5 games are rather pedestrian: 3-for-13 with 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. But considering the circumstances of the at-bats in question, those numbers are probably to be expected. Read more »

The Giants new top pitching prospect is Matt Cain, a 20-year old phenom from Tennessee who has a devastating array of power pitches. With all the players in the Giants minor league system who have been traded over the last several years, Cain has remained untouchable, and with good reason. He is the future. Read more »

Since arriving in San Francisco at the July 31 trading deadline, Danville native Randy Winn has batted an even .300 with 3 home runs and 6 runs batted in 18 games. But that doesn't tell the whole story. Read more »

Brian Sabean's track record of acquiring Major League-proven talent has worked with tremendous success for the better part of a decade. With frustrations mounting, and the Giants currently sitting 15 games under .500, some fans are looking for reasons to explain the dismal year. And they're looking in the wrong place. Read more »